Ronaldo: 'The best in history is me, full stop' as Al-Nassr star closes on 1,000 goals

Ronaldo makes his claim ahead of historic landmark

Cristiano Ronaldo has declared himself the greatest footballer in history, insisting his place in the record books is already secure even as he sits just 20 goals away from an unprecedented 1,000 career strikes.

The Al-Nassr captain, speaking to CNN Portugal, argued that his staggering goalscoring output still does not receive the credit it deserves.

"People are not valuing the form I am in, my goals," Ronaldo said.

When asked whether the pursuit of 1,000 goals was driving him, the Portugal captain was unequivocal that the milestone would be a bonus rather than the proof of his status.

"Things have to happen naturally. If I scored 920 goals, 925, 930 … the best in history is me, full stop. The numbers speak for themselves. If I get there (to 1,000 goals), it is amazing, an objective, but I don't think long-term," he said.

A record built over 1,337 appearances

Ronaldo's assertion rests on a career tally of 980 goals in 1,337 professional appearances for club and country — a haul that already makes him the leading scorer in men's international football with 146 goals since his Portugal debut in 2003.

Still scoring at club level

The Portugal captain returned to club action on October 9, opening the scoring in Al-Nassr's 3-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Diriyah Club. His 23rd-minute finish took his career tally to 980 and kept the four-figure landmark within reach.

Al-Nassr supporters rallied behind their star during the dispute with his national federation, unfurling a large banner reading "Greatness is earned" and chanting his name in the seventh minute.

Retirement remains uncertain

Ronaldo had said a month earlier that he would "probably" retire after the club season ends next June, but he admitted he could not predict when his motivation might fade.

"I don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Maybe I wake up demotivated and don't want to play anymore, I just don't know," he said.

For now, Ronaldo continues to chase goals at club level while insisting that his standing among the all-time greats is already settled — with or without four figures.